Caffeine

The Campus Coffee Shop: Caffeine Conundrums

by

Wendy Heck, North Carolina Central University

Andrea Novicki, Johnson C. Smith University

Brian Rybarczyk, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

Partnership for Minority Advancement in the Biomolecular Sciences (PMABS)

Part I—Introduction

The rich, strong smell of coffee filled the newest coffee house in the small college town. The place was packed

with students sitting at small art deco bistro tables. A hip-looking barista was busy taking customer orders

behind the counter while a loud grinding sound purred from the espresso machine, followed by the gurgle

of steaming milk. Students were glued to their laptops—coffee in one hand, mouse in the other. Sally, Alex,

and Jenna were sitting together at one of the tables, discussing their latest biology project, “Science in

Everyday Life.”

Taking a sip from her water bottle, Sally said, “It’s getting late and we still don’t have a topic and this project is due

the day after tomorrow! Let’s get moving. We all have classes all day tomorrow and we are running out of time!”

“Don’t worry, Sally,” Alex said, after guzzling down his energy drink. “We’ll definitely get through it, we have

plenty of time to finish and I’m not tired whatsoever.”

Jenna, gulping down her third espresso latte of the night, added, “Yeah, Sally, we’ll get through it, you just

need some caffeine to keep you awake so we can finish it tonight. It will be the best project Professor Jackson

has ever seen.”

“I don’t understand why you both need caffeine. Stress keeps me going,” Sally replied.

“I’m not addicted,” said Jenna. “Coffee just keeps me moving with all the demands of college life. I have at

least one cup in the morning, one in the afternoon and two or more while studying in the evening. I’ve been

drinking coffee since the first day of my freshman year, and it’s been working great.”

“I usually only need a quick boost every now and then before a deadline,” added Alex.

“That gives me a...